Nurses awarded hospital badges

The first nurses to have taken part in a new skills assessment scheme have received hospital badges from their trust.

Staff at the Heart of England Foundation Trust demonstrated high levels of knowledge and professionalism in the VITAL (Virtual Interactive Teaching And Learning) assessment scheme.

Baroness Audrey Emerton awarded badges in a ceremony at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, to signal they had successfully completed the assessment.

Chief nurse Mandie Sunderland said the tool tested nurses’ knowledge in 14 crucial subjects and that since the trust started VITAL its nurses had answered more than two million questions on patient care.

She said the work completed so far was being analysed, although it was believed it had already improved nursing standards at the trust. She also said the scheme was also a good way to reward staff and recognise those who were doing their job well.